Has your washing machine started causing problems all of a sudden? Nothing is worse than when you are about to do the laundry only to realize your washing machine won’t start.
But before you panic, you should know that some of the most common washing machine problems can be easily solved. That’s how this article was born.
Table of Contents
- 7 Most Common Washing Machine Issues
- Problem 1: The Washing Machine Won’t Start
- Problem 2: Unknown Noise
- Problem 3: The Washing Machine is Emulating Niagara Falls
- Problem 4: The Machine is Refusing to Spin
- Problem 5: The Machine Has Become a Time Traveler
- Problem 6: The Washing Machine Has Taken a Vow of Silence
- Problem 7: Your Clothes Come Out Dirtier Than They Went In
- In Conclusion
7 Most Common Washing Machine Issues
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the washing machine issues and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The Washing Machine Won’t Start
So, you’ve loaded your clothes into the washing machine, added the detergent, and set the program, but the machine has chosen to stand its ground.
Now as an ex-IT guy, I feel obligated to ask: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the power connection: It’s not that your washing machine is being stubborn; maybe it’s just unplugged. I know, I know… it’s obvious, but we’re all human, and humans can overlook the obvious.
- Examine the door or lid: Is it closed properly? Some machines are so safety-conscious, they won’t even blink until you’ve securely shut their doors.
- Inspect the fuse or circuit breaker: If your home’s power supply were a rock band, the washing machine would be the headliner. It requires quite a bit of power, so check if it hasn’t blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker.
Problem 2: Unknown Noise
Now most washing machines are generally noisy, but if your unit suddenly starts making weird humming noises that are not common, you should put on your detective hat and start inspecting.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the load: If you’ve shoved everything but the kitchen sink into the machine, it’s bound to get a little testy. Overloading or underloading can cause imbalance, leading to that lovely racket.
- Inspect for foreign objects: Coins, keys, or your child’s favorite toy car could be having a wild ride in there. Check the drum for any unexpected objects.
- Adjust the feet: If your machine is not level, it might decide to do a little dance. Adjust the machine’s feet to make it level and stable.
Problem 3: The Washing Machine is Emulating Niagara Falls
Everybody hates water leakage, that’s a simple fact. But when it happens with a washing machine, it can be especially annoying, considering the amount of water the unit uses.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the hoses: The most common issue here is that the hose is either lose or cracked.
- Inspect the door seal: If your front-loader is leaking from the front, the door seal might be to blame. Check it for any tears or holes.
- Confirm the detergent usage: Too much of a good thing can be bad, and that applies to detergent too. Excess suds can cause the machine to leak.
Problem 4: The Machine is Refusing to Spin
So, your washing machine has decided to go on a spinning strike. Now what?
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the load balance: Again, balance is key. An unbalanced load can prevent the machine from spinning.
- Inspect the lid switch: If the lid switch is faulty, your top-loader might refuse to spin. You may need to replace it if it’s broken.
- Look at the belts and pulleys: Like a car engine, if the belts and pulleys aren’t working, the machine won’t spin. You might need to call in professional help for this one.
Problem 5: The Machine Has Become a Time Traveler
This has happened several times and messed with my head a bit The washing machine is simply stuck in the same minute of the cycle for what seems like hours. Or maybe it’s speeding through the cycle faster than light. Either way, it’s messing with time.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the timer control: In this rather rarer case, the timer control might be faulty. If it is, you’re better off calling a professional to replace it. Unfortunately, you can’t just go back in time to prevent it from breaking.
- Inspect the water level switch: If your machine is stuck in the fill or rinse stage, the water level switch might be to blame. It might be thinking it’s a swimming pool instead of a washing machine.
Problem 6: The Washing Machine Has Taken a Vow of Silence
If your machine fills and drains correctly but just won’t agitate or spin it has probably taken a vow of silence. The good news is that it can be fixed. The bad news is it might not be an easy fix.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the motor coupling: The motor coupling might be worn or broken. If that’s the case, it’s a job for a professional. Your washing machine isn’t just being lazy; it genuinely needs help.
- Inspect the drive belt: If the drive belt is broken or has slipped off, your machine won’t agitate or spin. Time to get that fixed.
Problem 7: Your Clothes Come Out Dirtier Than They Went In
The whole purpose of a washing machine is to clean clothes. Imagine the audacity when after 90 minutes it gives back an even dirtier load.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the drum: Something could be stuck in the drum, causing a mess. Your machine isn’t actively trying to sabotage your wardrobe, promise!
- Inspect the detergent: Are you using the right amount and type of detergent? Too little, too much, or the wrong type can lead to less-than-sparkling clothes.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are the seven most common washing machine problems and how to fix them. I hope that my guide was somewhat helpful and that your washing machine won’t plan going on a strike anytime soon. Peace out.